God's Great Gifts: Joy

True joy is fundamentally different from happiness, which is often influenced by external circumstances. Joy is deeply rooted in God and remains steadfast regardless of life's ups and downs. By centering our lives on Jesus, we can experience a joy that is unshakeable. The shepherds in Luke 2 exemplify this joy when they eagerly seek Jesus after hearing the good news. Similarly, Hebrews 12:2 shows that Jesus found joy in fulfilling God's plan, even when it meant enduring the cross. To live a joyful life, we must root ourselves in Jesus, spend time with our church community, and focus on advancing God's kingdom. This involves daily prayer, a passion for saving the lost, and a commitment to spiritual growth.